Sudan: Sit-in protests continue in Khartoum April 19 /update 66

Event

Sit-in protests are continuing for the 14th consecutive day in front of the military's General Command building in Khartoum as of Friday, April 19, as thousands of protesters continue to demand an immediate transfer of power to a civilian government.

On Friday, the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) stated it would implement a Civil council to replace the Military council, and announce the names of its members on Sunday, April 21, during a press conference set to be held at 19:00 (local time) in front of the army headquarters.

Protest marches and sit-ins are expected to continue in the coming days in Khartoum, particularly near the General Command, and across the country. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are expected.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on Thursday, April 11, calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. US diplomatic authorities have also warned US citizens to refrain from all travel to the country until further notice.

Context

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup led by Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf. Following the formation of the Supreme Security Committee, Ibn Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and would rule the country for two years in a transitional government, after which time fresh presidential elections would be held. However, Ibn Auf and his deputy resigned on Sunday; no successor has been named. The military council has stated that the military was ready to work with opposition groups to form a civilian government, though no specific steps have yet been announced.

Anti-government protests began on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers. Protesters initially demanded increased government transparency and economic reforms but broadened their scope to demand the resignation of President Bashir, who was in power since 1989. 

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly those in Khartoum and the surrounding areas, are advised to closely monitor the situation, refrain from all nonessential travel, remain vigilant of their surroundings and be aware of possible spontaneous protest activities, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid all public gatherings and common demonstration sites due to the risk of violence and arrest.